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Ex-Presidents Obasanjo, Koroma Grace COZA Leaders’ Silver Jubilee Celebration
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma were among the dignitaries who attended the 25th wedding anniversary of Pastors Biodun and Modele Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA).
The event, held in Abuja, also celebrated Biodun Fatoyinbo’s 50th birthday, attracting prominent political figures, religious leaders, and legal luminaries.
Notable attendees included Anyim Pius Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum; and Stanley Ifeanyi Uzochukwu, Chairman of Stanel Group.
Religious leaders present at the celebration included Pastor Mary Abioye (formerly of Living Faith Church), Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, and Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International.
The celebration featured speeches from notable personalities, including Obasanjo, who humorously referred to Anyim as his “boss,” acknowledging the influence the Senate had during his tenure.
He remarked, “During the times I was in government, he served as the Senate President. If I sent a bill to the National Assembly, unless it had the support of the Senate President, my bill might not be passed. So I had to regard him as my elder to ensure my bill could be passed. Hence, I now refer to him as my boss.”
Addressing the couple, the former president said: “You have now set a new standard regarding Jubilee. Twenty-five years in Jubilee, as mentioned in the Bible. So, every Jubilee, every 25 years, you must renew your power and purpose in your marriage. If I had my way, then every marriage in Nigeria that has reached 25 years should have what we call new vows and a renewed purpose.
“Now, as for the next event, 25 years from now, I wish you well in advance. As you know, I may not be able to attend—not because I am unwell, but simply because I will be elsewhere permanently.”
Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim extended his congratulations to the couple.
He stated, “If former President Goodluck Jonathan were here physically, I believe he would say that President Olusegun Obasanjo will speak for the former presidents. On behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan, I am humbled to congratulate you and your wife, and indeed your entire family, on this milestone.”
Legal expert Mike Ozekhome praised the couple’s dedication to faith, while senior lawyer Alex Izinyon commended their positive impact on society.
“You have touched lives; your family has made a significant impact over the past 25 years. Keep on doing what you are doing. Do not grow weary in doing good. I pray that you and your family will continue to flourish from glory to glory,” Izinyon said.
Renowned clergy such as Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and Pastor Paul Enenche also spoke, offering prayers and blessings for the couple.
Ashimolowo advised, “You must always remember that this woman stands by your side, not at your feet. You have responsibilities in this union; you have a spiritual obligation. I want you to wear this ring as your helmet. It must never signify dominance but always serve as a reminder of faith and love—a love that never fails and is never puffed up.”
The ceremony incorporated various traditional and religious elements, including the renewal of marriage vows, the exchange of rings symbolising eternal love, and prayers for continued unity.
The couple reaffirmed their commitment to each other, with Biodun Fatoyinbo emphasising the spiritual significance of their union and Modele Fatoyinbo pledging lifelong devotion.
“According to the word of God, I submit myself to you as your wife continually, from this moment onward. We shall continue to be one,” Mrs. Fatoyinbo declared.
The event also highlighted the importance of milestone celebrations, with Obasanjo humorously suggesting that marriages in Nigeria reaching 25 years should mark the occasion with renewed vows and purpose.
The presence of two former presidents elevated the gathering to an international status, underscoring the couple’s influence beyond Nigeria.
With music from renowned gospel artists such as Mercy Chinwo and Chris Morgan, alongside prayers and a grand atmosphere, the ceremony exemplified love, faith, and enduring commitment, leaving guests inspired and uplifted.
Beneficiaries of the New Nigerian Newspapers, associated with the Northern States Governors Forum, have expressed their deep frustration over the prolonged issue of unpaid benefits totalling N2.1 billion. As of January 2025, the death toll of members awaiting these payments has tragically reached 106.
A statement issued by Alhaji Sadiq Tela on behalf of the Elders Forum, and Friday Sule for the Joint Union of the New Nigerian Newspapers, highlights that “following the recent out-of-court settlement between the Northern Governors and Albert Iweka and Co, which was ratified on 27th November 2024 by the Federal High Court, expectations have soared due to the extreme poverty exacerbated by the delay in these benefits.”
It is worth noting that Barrister Iweka and Idi Sule, both former employees of the New Nigerian Newspapers, had previously taken the Northern Governors to court over the payment of check-off dues. They successfully secured a garnishee order that froze the account of New Capital Properties Limited (NCPL), where the proceeds from the sale of NNN assets were held.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of the New Nigerian Beneficiaries, the case was eventually dismissed, and all previous garnishee orders were vacated, with all parties duly settled except for the New Nigerian Beneficiaries,” the statement emphasised.
The statement further lamented, “More than 100 days have passed since the resolution of this decade-long court battle, yet all New Nigerian Beneficiaries who served the 19 Northern Governors continue to suffer in silence, overwhelmed by pain and despair.”
However, the workers have praised the current Secretary to the State Government of Kaduna for providing some relief through strategic discussions with the Northern Nigeria Development Company and the Northern Governors’ Secretariats. “These efforts are comforting, but in light of the harsh economic realities, the over 800 beneficiaries who have nearly 10,000 dependants are left in tears,” they added.
The statement reiterated, “The Northern Governors, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, possess the authority to shape the futures of nearly 1,000 New Nigerian Beneficiaries.”
“We take this opportunity to implore our Northern Governors’ Forum to extend their support, as the death toll of NNN beneficiaries awaiting payment has sadly risen to 106 as of January 2025.”
“In the spirit of Ramadan, we beseech our Northern Governors to show compassion towards our families, as many of us are struggling to break our fast.
Both Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have crashed the cost of the essential commodity in recent weeks.
Rewane attributed the reduction in fuel price to a fall in global crude oil price.
Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, has predicted that the cost of premium motor spirit also known as petrol will continue to decline until June 2025.
Both Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria National Petroluem Company Limited (NNPCL) have crashed the cost of the essential commodity in recent weeks, easing the pressure on millions of Nigerians who depend on fuel for their energy needs.
But Rewane says the recent reduction in the pump price of the product is expected to continue until mid-year.
“So, generally between now and June, we will see prices begin to decline. But after June as things stabilize, depending on what happens in the global oil and currency market, we might begin to see some stabilisation,” Rewane said on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Business Morning.
According to him, the price war between Dangote Refinery and NNPCL will benefit the consumer more.
“In a price war, nobody wins, the consumers win in the short run then eventually the market goes back to where it should be. But, at the end of the day, between now and June, the price leadership will be firmly established,” Rewane said.
He attributed Dangote Refinery’s reduction in the pump price of petrol to production cost efficiency.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transport operators adhere strictly to approved affordable fare structures.
This move comes as part of efforts to maintain fairness in pricing and prevent exploitation within Nigeria’s commercial transport sector.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of P-CNGI, addressed recent reports suggesting that some transport operators were not complying with agreed fare structures. He assured the public that strict monitoring mechanisms were in place to curb any form of extortion by transport unions.
Oluwagbemi stressed that P-CNGI would not tolerate violations of the initiative’s policies and warned that sanctions would be imposed on any operators found guilty of non-compliance.
“The P-CNGI is concerned by recent media reports indicating that some transport operators are ignoring the agreed fare structures,” he stated. “We are actively working to prevent any form of exploitation and to ensure that commercial drivers and passengers fully benefit from this initiative.”
To ease the burden of high fuel costs, P-CNGI has introduced CNG conversion incentives, allowing commercial drivers to transition from petrol and diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) at no cost. This strategic initiative aims to provide financial relief and encourage the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.
“It is both disappointing and unacceptable that certain transport operators are setting fare structures that contradict the programme’s goals,” Oluwagbemi said. “The initiative was designed to lower fuel expenses, not to increase transport costs for passengers.”
To facilitate a seamless transition, P-CNGI has partnered with authorised conversion centres to implement its Conversion Incentive Programme. These centres are responsible for carrying out free CNG conversions for commercial vehicles under strict supervision.
According to Oluwagbemi, transport unions have been actively engaged to ensure that all commercial drivers can access these free conversion services without facing unnecessary restrictions.
In a bid to simplify and accelerate the CNG conversion process, P-CNGI launched the ‘10 for 10 Initiative,’ which deploys field agents to commercial transport parks in Abuja and Lagos. These agents help register vehicles for free conversions, ensuring that more drivers can take advantage of the scheme without undue interference from transport unions.
“This hands-on approach guarantees that commercial drivers can access CNG conversions without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” Oluwagbemi stated. “Any transport operator or stakeholder attempting to obstruct this process will face strict penalties.”
To further strengthen compliance, commercial drivers experiencing difficulties in accessing the free conversions are encouraged to report their challenges via designated channels. P-CNGI has also provided a helpline—07000000264—where drivers can seek assistance and report any cases of unfair treatment.
Additionally, Oluwagbemi revealed that new measures were being introduced to enhance oversight and ensure the benefits of the initiative reach both drivers and passengers. These efforts include increased monitoring of transport operators and a crackdown on those imposing illegal fare hikes.
Beyond enforcing fare compliance, P-CNGI is working closely with partners to expand refuelling infrastructure and establish additional conversion centres nationwide. This expansion aims to improve accessibility for commercial drivers and ensure a steady supply of CNG, further promoting its adoption as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel alternative.
“The goal is to make CNG a viable and sustainable option for transport operators across Nigeria,” Oluwagbemi noted. “By improving infrastructure and accessibility, we can accelerate the shift to cleaner energy while ensuring transport remains affordable for everyone.”